Tory MP criticised for ‘unwise’ remarks on ‘Allahu Akbar’
Jenrick's comments condemned by politicians, sparking debate on Islamophobia
A Tory leadership contender has criticised his opponent for being “unwise and insensitive” following remarks about the phrase “Allahu Akbar.” Mel Stride targeted fellow Conservative Robert Jenrick over his suggestion that people who shout the Arabic phrase, meaning “God is great,” should be “immediately arrested.”
During an interview with a news channel, Stride stated, “The idea of criminalising the words ‘Allahu Akbar’ wholesale is unwise and insensitive.” He added that any threat implied by the phrase occurs very rarely and that context is crucial.
Labour’s Angela Rayner also condemned Jenrick, accusing him of inciting the recent riots across the UK, which have seen mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers attacked. This includes the Holiday Inn Express near Rotherham, where rioters caused significant damage on Sunday, an incident described by police as “a disgusting display of thuggery.”
Speaking from the affected hotel, the deputy prime minister said, “Figures like Robert Jenrick have contributed to the issues we’ve witnessed in our communities. The majority of the public wants to see communities coming together.”
Jenrick, addressing claims of unequal treatment of far-right riots compared to other protests like those against the Gaza war, told Sky News, “It’s wrong that someone can shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ in London without immediate arrest, or project genocidal chants on Big Ben without consequences.”
UK Riots: Robert Jenrick ‘Unwise and Insensitive’ Over Allahu Akbar Comment, Tory Leadership Rival Robert Jenrick Sayshttps://t.co/NNxsfthtst pic.twitter.com/IybCKdEZMe
— Abu B Shaw (@AbuBShaw1) August 8, 2024
Muslim politicians and leaders criticised Jenrick’s comments. Labour MP Afzal Khan likened “Allahu Akbar” to the Christian term “Hallelujah,” while Naz Shah urged Jenrick to apologise and engage with Muslim communities. Jenrick defended his stance by posting a video on X of a march in Bolton where people chanted “Allahu Akbar,” calling it “intimidatory and threatening” and a violation of the Public Order Act.
Senior Conservatives also denounced Jenrick’s comments. Baroness Warsi, a former Tory cabinet minister, directly addressed him on X, urging him to apologise for his “inappropriate, offensive, and incendiary” remarks. Lord Ahmad, former Tory Foreign Office minister, warned that Jenrick’s words fuel Islamophobia amid heightened communal tensions.
The Muslim Council of Britain said Jenrick’s remarks highlighted ongoing institutional Islamophobia within the Conservative Party. Responding to Rayner’s criticism, a spokesperson for Jenrick stated, “Robert has condemned all forms of disorder, whether from the far-right or retaliatory violence from sectarian mobs. Labour politicians have yet to do the same. The country needs decisive leadership, not hesitation.”
